Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); if he met with some of the principals in the case in any capacity; if a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29776/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have met some of the principals in my capacity as a Dáil Deputy and arranged for some of the principals to be met by officials in my Department at a senior level.

I regard the underlying allegations as being of the upmost gravity. They have been conveyed to the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and he has appointed a chief superintendent to investigate the matter further. I am informed by the Garda authorities that an earlier investigation into the incident referred to resulted in an investigation file being submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who directed no prosecution on the basis of that file.

I have no role in the investigation or prosecution of cases. This is a long standing principle of our system of justice. I am also informed that an investigation is currently being conducted into this matter in accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act 1986. The Garda Síochána Complaints Board, which was set up under the Act, is independent in the exercise of its functions.

I urge everyone with information regarding this matter to co-operate fully with the chief superintendent and with the separate Garda Síochána Complaints Board investigation.